SKU: 81538650279
civil war dresses

civil war dresses Original Civil War Era Dress 1860s Mauve Plaid Antique

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Description

civil war dresses Original Civil War Era Dress 1860s Mauve Plaid AntiqueThis marvelous find is an original mauve plaid 2 piece Civil War era dress, circa 1860, that features pagoda sleeves and functional center front buttonhole closure. The most exciting thing about this dress is that the color mauve is incorporated into the striping of the skirt. Invented in 1856, mauve was the first chemical (vs. plant material) dye ever made and the color became one of the colors acceptable for use in complimentary or secondary

This marvelous find is an original mauve plaid 2-piece Civil War era dress, circa 1860, that features pagoda sleeves and functional center front buttonhole closure.

The most exciting thing about this dress is that the color mauve is incorporated into the striping of the skirt. Invented in 1856, mauve was the first chemical (vs. plant material) dye ever made and the color became one of the colors acceptable for use in “complimentary” or “secondary” mourning clothing. It is quite probable that, given the other colors in the skirt are black and white, this dress was made specifically for this purpose.

The bodice is fully lined in brown cotton twill and the interior of the pagoda sleeves is lined with lightweight, gauzier weave of ivory colored polished cotton. The upper portion of the bodice front is padded – seen as tiny hand stitches that hold the padding in place on the inside only, and there are 3 stays – they feel like they could be baleen. The collar, armscye, and waist have tiny self-fabric piping. The sleeve tops are box pleated at the top and are finished with fringed ribbon at the cuff. The closure is at center front with 9 handmade buttonholes and the prettiest little goldtone and black glass buttons that have a goldstone curly cue molded into them.  Of note is an extra buttonhole that was turned under and a tiny brass hook with an even tinier handmade thread eye.

The front of the bodice has quite a bit of yellow/brown staining and the underarm area is also stained. The skirt is fully lined with brown cotton and has a pocket attached at the waistband. The waistband looks to be hand sewn to the knife pleated skirt. There is damage to the waistband, at the closure area (no hooks and eyes) and a tear, about the size of a buttonhole, elsewhere on the waistband. The bottom of the skirt does have a hem protector, but the hem was shortened and has been tucked to the inside. This shortening has been done neatly and well, and probably could be removed to restore the skirt to its original length if so desired. There is generalized slight darkening of the front of the skirt, and a few scattered brown spots and pin holes. There is a small hole in the silk fabric on the left side (pictured) that is slightly larger than a pencil tip eraser.

Condition:

Overall, the silk fabric is in exceptional condition with no splitting or shattering. The entire dress is reasonably strong and supple, probably due to the full lining. There are several tiny dot holes in the silk throughout. There is generalized slight darkening of the front of the skirt, and a few scattered brown spots and pin holes. There is a small hole in the silk fabric on the left side of the skirt (pictured) that is slightly larger than a pencil tip eraser, along with the issues mentioned above in the body of the description.

Approximate measurements are given for reference only, as garments of this age cannot stand up to the stress of being worn.

Measurements:

BODICE

Bust: 33”
Waist: 24”

SKIRT

Waist: 23”
Skirt Length: 41 3/8” (measured from the bottom of the waistband to the CURRENT hem)
Sweep: 147”

 

(Shown over a period cage crinoline, which is NOT included but is available separately. Please ask! We usually have many hoops / cages available for sale.)

This is an antique dress. Due to the fragile nature of antique dresses, we cannot accept returns on this dress.

 

 

Purchase of this item means that you have read the full description and have read and agree to our  shop policies.

______________________________________________________

Copyright © 2025 by Belle à Coeur, all rights reserved

Images may not be copied, printed or otherwise disseminated without express written permission of Belle à Coeur or its agents.  Purchase of this item does not constitute express written permission.


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SKU: 81538650279

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Alison L.
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Pretty nice little bag
Color: Black
Wasn’t sure if I would like the size of the bag as I was planning on using it as my everyday purse. Pleasantly surprised by how much can fit in it. Definitely good for travel as it will hold what you need. I would only say that the strap would benefit from having a wire in it to prevent people from just cutting it off. Other than that, it is a nice looking bag. Good size. Seems to be well put together and sturdy. Note if you are on the bigger size, the strap might not fit around you. I do have to have it fully extended to fit properly. But it is comfortable to wear and the wide strap doesn’t put too much pressure on my shoulder. I would buy again or at least from the same brand.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2026
H
Verified Purchase
Heather
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Can’t beat this purse/ bag
Color: Green
Nice, light weight and plenty of room for lots of stuff actually. Love the built-in card holders very convenient, durable, the locking features with the zippers, genius idea,and the green is so pretty if you’re looking for a smaller bag and everyday smaller bag that can hold all your crap (face it ladies we carry a lot of crap) this purse is absolutely beautiful and perfect. I’m actually thinking about getting one for all my work stuff instead of my backpack.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2026
W
Verified Purchase
Whitney Dibbern
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect bag for everyday wear
Color: Black
This bag is perfect! It’s just the right size and not super bulky. I love all the pockets and the clip to lock it! I loved the black one so much I went back and bought it in green! It’ll be so perfect to use on our trip but also it’s a great everyday bag. It’s super light weight and comfortable to wear front or on the back.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
G
Verified Purchase
ggrace
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 4
Nice but strap is deforming
Color: Green
This little bag seems to be very well constructed and is the perfect size for travel fir me. PROS: - has zippered. pockets including one in the back - The interior is a light beige color so you can see inside easily - the zippered pockets open wide for easy access CONS: - I wish the zipper on the top (main) pocket was a double zipper. - The attached shoulder strap is thin with no reinforcement. The strap is becoming deformed (wrinkled, folded) after only a couple weeks of daily use. The US no way to replace it as it is sewn into the top Overall it is a nice bag but I will look to replace it soon as a daily user because the strap issue
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2026
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Tj
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Anti theft, and perfect size.
Color: Green
“So many great features! I especially love the anti-theft design because it gives extra peace of mind while traveling or shopping. The pockets are well thought out, the strap length is comfortable, and it holds everything I need without being bulky. Great quality for the price too.”
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Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2026

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